A cw CO2 laser operating on the 9R(30) line was used to pump either the sR(5,0) or the sR(5,1) transition of NH3. Collisions with a buffer gas (either N2 or Ar) thermalized the NH3 rotational population, and gain occurred throughout the ν2 band. As there is no collisional coupling of ortho-NH3 (K = 3n) to para (K = 3n ± 1) states, it was necessary to pump the two species separately. Output powers as high as 5.5 W and conversion efficiencies of 33% were measured. A total of sixty-five (ortho and para) transitions were observed to lase at wavelengths ranging from 10.3 to 13.8 μm. The operation of the laser is in good agreement with the predictions of a simple model.
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From Ref. 12.
The 9-μm pump power was ~18 W on the sR(5,0) transition. In all cases the length of the NH3 cavity was 1.0 m.
The relative powers were measured in the grating-tuned cavity. 100% corresponds to ~300 mW cw. Unless otherwise noted, the measurement was made in the 2.5-mm bore waveguide at 300 K. The increasing transmission of the dichroic input/output mirror at frequencies >850 cm−1 results in increased relative powers in that region.
The maximum powers were measured in a nonselective (two-mirror) cavity with an output coupling of 36–43%. The 2.5-mm bore waveguide cooled to 200 K was used.
Measured in the 1.5-mm bore waveguide cooled to 200 K.
Measured in the 1.5-mm bore waveguide at 300 K.
From Ref. 12.
The 9-μm pump power was ~6 W on the sR(5,1) transition. All measurements were made using a 1.5-mm bore, 1.0-m long waveguide cooled to 200 K.
Relative powers were measured in the gratin tuned cavity. The increase in transmission of the dichroic input/output mirror at frequencies >850 cm−1 results in increased relative powers in that region.
Optimum powers were measured in a two-mirror cavity with 35–43% output coupling and 1.0 or 2.0% NH3/Ar mixtures.
From Ref. 12.
The 9-μm pump power was ~18 W on the sR(5,0) transition. In all cases the length of the NH3 cavity was 1.0 m.
The relative powers were measured in the grating-tuned cavity. 100% corresponds to ~300 mW cw. Unless otherwise noted, the measurement was made in the 2.5-mm bore waveguide at 300 K. The increasing transmission of the dichroic input/output mirror at frequencies >850 cm−1 results in increased relative powers in that region.
The maximum powers were measured in a nonselective (two-mirror) cavity with an output coupling of 36–43%. The 2.5-mm bore waveguide cooled to 200 K was used.
Measured in the 1.5-mm bore waveguide cooled to 200 K.
Measured in the 1.5-mm bore waveguide at 300 K.
From Ref. 12.
The 9-μm pump power was ~6 W on the sR(5,1) transition. All measurements were made using a 1.5-mm bore, 1.0-m long waveguide cooled to 200 K.
Relative powers were measured in the gratin tuned cavity. The increase in transmission of the dichroic input/output mirror at frequencies >850 cm−1 results in increased relative powers in that region.
Optimum powers were measured in a two-mirror cavity with 35–43% output coupling and 1.0 or 2.0% NH3/Ar mixtures.